Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship
The founding members of the Latino Alumni Board Affinity Network created the Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship to honor the memory of fellow Latino/x/e Ramblers who left us too soon. This enduring legacy provides meaningful opportunities for future generations of Loyola students, making education more accessible and embodying the spirit and commitment of our Latino/x/e alumni community. Through this scholarship, we honor their memory and ensure that their impact continues to inspire and uplift others.
We Remember...
Enrique Guerrero
1970-1992
At just 22 years old, Rick passed away, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him. A Political Science major, he had initially considered a career in the non-profit sector before being accepted into the Chicago Police Department. Rick was an active member of the Latino Alliance Student Organization (LASO) and was elected President in the fall of 1992.
Passionate about sports, Rick especially loved football, a game he played during his years at Whitney Young High School. In November 1992, while playing a co-ed pickup game at Loyola Park, he suddenly collapsed and tragically did not regain consciousness. To this day, Rick is fondly remembered for his warm personality and infectious humor, always bringing joy and laughter to those around him.
Jose J. Esparza
1968-2000
At the time of his passing at age 32, Jose, a 1991 Sociology graduate, was a Senior Leader at the Red Cross. Tragically, he lost his life in a house fire. Friends and family recount that José escaped the flames but re-entered the burning home in a brave attempt to save his father, Raúl, 77; both men perished in the fire.
José and his father were beloved figures in the Pilsen community, known for their warmth and kindness. Committed to service, José worked with a Catholic volunteer program for young adults, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, and Quigley, impacting countless lives. A mentor and friend to many, José’s dedication to his community and his compassionate spirit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
The number of Latinos enrolled in college or postgraduate education has increased from 2.9 million to 4.2 million nationwide. At Loyola University Chicago, 19% of students now identify as Latino or Hispanic. Scholarships can help drive increasing success. Your gift can give more students access to a Loyola education. Since 2021, the Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship has provided over $20,000 of financial support to Loyola Latino students.
Join us in supporting exceptional students by making a gift to the Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship. Your gift will guarantee access to resources and opportunities needed to thrive at Loyola and to grow as future leaders dedicated to serving others.
Match Donor
Monica Ramirez, JD, MPA (BA ‘99)
Founder/President, Justice for Migrant Women; Co-founder, The Latinx House, Poderistas & Alianza Nacional De Campesinas
“I was a scholarship kid. Loyola would not have been within reach had it not been for the generosity of donors who contributed resources to Loyola’s many scholarship funds. My family and I have made a decision to support Latinx students at Loyola.”
Volunteer
Leo Guerrero (BBA ‘90)
22 years of service on the Latino Alumni Board
“I was one of several Hispanic alums who helped co-found the Loyola University Latino Alumni Board in 2000. We wanted the opportunity to give back to the school as well as honor the memory of two alums who passed away but made a difference in their community: Jaime J. Esparza and Enrique Guerrero.”
Match Donor
Ric Estrada (BS ’89)
President and CEO, Metropolitan Family Services
"We are investing in students and by doing so, we are investing in ourselves because they will build a better community. The Latino Alumni Board and the Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship are tremendous vehicles to invest in our community."
Past Recipient
Abigail Denise Alvarez (BS '24)
Majored in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a minor of Psychology of Crime & Justice
“I look forward to becoming an immigration lawyer. Throughout my life, I have been someone who strongly advocates for human rights and equality. I believe that if we all start actively helping each other, we might be closer to eliminating social injustices.”
How to Apply
The Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are engaged in their local Latino community through leadership or service, have a GPA of at least a 2.75, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is a one-time award and not renewable. Awards vary based upon funding available.
Current students can apply for this scholarship through Loyola Scholarship Connection. This scholarship is open to all applicants regardless of race, gender, or other protected status
About Loyola University Latino Alumni Board
Founded in 2000, the Latino Alumni Board Affinity Network at Loyola University Chicago is dedicated to cultivating a strong, close-knit community among Latino/x/e students and alumni. Our mission is to enhance representation and foster meaningful connections through networking, mentorship, and outreach. Composed of alumni, students, and supporters, the board works collaboratively to uplift and empower the Latino community, guided by the values of the Jesuit tradition.
To stay connected—follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and LoyolaLinked.
To join us at an upcoming event or to help advance our mission, visit our linktr.ee/loyolalatinoalumni today!
If you’re interested in becoming our next Match Donor, please contact Alumni Relations at luc-alum@luc.edu.
The founding members of the Latino Alumni Board Affinity Network created the Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship to honor the memory of fellow Latino/x/e Ramblers who left us too soon. This enduring legacy provides meaningful opportunities for future generations of Loyola students, making education more accessible and embodying the spirit and commitment of our Latino/x/e alumni community. Through this scholarship, we honor their memory and ensure that their impact continues to inspire and uplift others.
The number of Latinos enrolled in college or postgraduate education has increased from 2.9 million to 4.2 million nationwide. At Loyola University Chicago, 19% of students now identify as Latino or Hispanic. Scholarships can help drive increasing success. Your gift can give more students access to a Loyola education. Since 2021, the Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship has provided over $20,000 of financial support to Loyola Latino students.
Join us in supporting exceptional students by making a gift to the Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship. Your gift will guarantee access to resources and opportunities needed to thrive at Loyola and to grow as future leaders dedicated to serving others.
The Latino Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are engaged in their local Latino community through leadership or service, have a GPA of at least a 2.75, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is a one-time award and not renewable. Awards vary based upon funding available.
Current students can apply for this scholarship through Loyola Scholarship Connection. This scholarship is open to all applicants regardless of race, gender, or other protected status
Founded in 2000, the Latino Alumni Board Affinity Network at Loyola University Chicago is dedicated to cultivating a strong, close-knit community among Latino/x/e students and alumni. Our mission is to enhance representation and foster meaningful connections through networking, mentorship, and outreach. Composed of alumni, students, and supporters, the board works collaboratively to uplift and empower the Latino community, guided by the values of the Jesuit tradition.
To stay connected—follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and LoyolaLinked.
To join us at an upcoming event or to help advance our mission, visit our linktr.ee/loyolalatinoalumni today!
If you’re interested in becoming our next Match Donor, please contact Alumni Relations at luc-alum@luc.edu.